Founder Nazy Vassegh plans to make a comeback but warns of difficulties for dealers and collectors doing business in the UK capital
Category Archives: Stories
Exhibitions are lasting longer, artists are reducing their output and more discerning collectors are all contributing to the change
The UK painter’s first major museum show, at the Hepworth Wakefield, offers recognition of a talent whose ambiguous works can shift between the humdrum of the ordinary and the ecstasy of revelation
The Portuguese artist mounts the first contemporary exhibition to be installed alongside the Duke of Alba’s fabled art collection
Emma Shapiro on the UK government's secret order to break end-to-end encryption and allow access to all citizens’ Apple iCloud data
Political uncertainties may be deterring organisations from funding the €260m worth of restoration work needed to repair and rebuild the Gaza Strip’s wrecked historical sites, but emergency interventions are already underway
The splendour of the Sienese Trecento at the National Gallery
From 8 March to 22 June 2025, the National Gallery in London presents the exhibition “Siena: The Rise of Painting 1300‒1350”
Source: National Gallery · Image: Duccio, ‘The Annunciation’, 1307/8‒11 © The National Gallery, London
The exhibition of approximately a hundred works will explore the evolving status of painting among the arts of Europe and show the central role that Sienese artists played in this story, at home, in other Italian centres, and in the cities and courts of Europe.
The exhibition will bring together several surviving panels from the monumental double-sided altarpiece known as the ‘Maestà’, painted by Sienese artist Duccio di Buoninsegna (active 1278, died 1319) for the city’s cathedral. This is the first double-sided altarpiece in Western painting, and marks a fundamental shift in narrative art. This remarkably complex work was dismantled in the 18th century. The National Gallery’s own three panels from the ‘Maestà’, will be reunited with other paintings from this ensemble detailing episodes from Christ’s life. These include ‘Christ and the Woman of Samaria’ from the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid and ‘The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew’ from the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.
Another reunion will be the ‘Orsini Polyptych’ by Sienese artist Simone Martini (1284‒1344). This is a folding work of art made for private devotion, probably for Cardinal Napoleone Orsini, who belonged to one of the most influential princely families of medieval and Renaissance Italy. Today it is divided between the Louvre, Paris, the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp and the Gemäldegalerie, Berlin. All six panels – ‘Christ bearing the Cross’, ‘Crucifixion’, ‘Descent from the Cross’ and ‘Entombment’ (depicted on the front of the folding panting); and ‘The Archangel Gabriel’ and ‘The Virgin of the Annunciation’ (seen on the reverse), will be brought together for the National Gallery’s exhibition.
Other reunions include two triptychs by Duccio – The Virgin and Child with Saint Dominic and Saint Aurea, and Patriarchs and Prophets, (about 1312–15) from the National Gallery, London; and ‘The Crucifixion’; ‘The Redeemer with Angels’; ‘ Saint Nicholas’; ‘Saint Clement’, (1311–18) from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. They seem to have been conceived as a pair for an individual, possibly Cardinal Niccolò da Prato, and they have matching decorations on their exterior wings.
In a historic moment for bibliophiles and collectors, Bonhams New York achieved a white glove result—100% sold—at its December 17 auction of The Complete Kelmscott Press Collection of Joseph Mark Van Horn. The auction marked the first time in half a century that a complete collection of books from the renowned Kelmscott Press, founded by 19th-century designer and visionary William Morris, had been offered at auction. The collection included all 53 works published by the press during its seven-year existence, a remarkable feat of artistic craftsmanship and fine printing.
The undoubted star of the sale was the 1896 Kelmscott edition of The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as one of the most beautiful books ever printed. Exceeding all expectations, the Kelmscott Chaucer soared past its estimate to achieve a final hammer price of $115,000. This landmark edition, with its elaborate woodcut illustrations by Edward Burne-Jones and Morris’s meticulous design, remains a pinnacle of the Arts and Crafts movement’s influence on book production.
Overall, the sale achieved an impressive total of $690,000, reflecting sustained appreciation for Morris’s commitment to the artistry of bookmaking. “Morris spearheaded a new era of fine book printing—taking inspiration and learning from the way that books were first printed in the 15th century,” remarked Ian Ehling, Bonhams’ Head of Department, Books and Manuscripts. “The sale demonstrated that his commitment to craftsmanship is still valued today.”
Among the additional highlights of the auction was A Note on the Founding of The Kelmscott Press, one of only 12 copies printed on vellum and the last book produced by the Press, which sold for $38,000.
Another rarity, Of the Friendship of Amis and Amile, an exceedingly scarce copy translated from the ancient French by Morris and one of just 15 copies printed on vellum, found a buyer at $22,000—marking the first time in 80 years that such an edition has appeared at auction.
Further underscoring the significance of the sale, The Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, translated by William Caxton and inscribed by Morris to his close friend and collaborator Edward Burne-Jones, achieved $18,000.
Meanwhile, The Book of Wisdom and Lies, translated by Oliver Wardrop and inscribed by Morris to celebrated poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling, garnered $7,600. A rare title-page design by Morris for Ballads and Narrative Poems by Dante Gabriel Rossetti added to the excitement, fetching $24,000.
The resounding success of the auction reaffirms the enduring legacy of William Morris and the Kelmscott Press. More than a century after their creation, these masterfully crafted books continue to captivate collectors and literary enthusiasts, standing as testaments to the timeless beauty of fine printing.
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Story submitted by Bonhams. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
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What is Buhurt? Buhurt is a contemporary sport in which competitors use authentic yet safe weaponry while wearing medieval armor that is historically accurate. In addition to broken fingers, noses, limbs, legs, teeth, and even collarbones, fighters have also had concussions.
A helmet that has a loose chin strap may crash into your teeth or nose. Although well-fitting steel armor is crucial for protecting your body during a competition, it is not the only barrier between you and a sword or polearm. Additionally, your armor should have padding below it. Therefore, the first outfit you’ll need to begin your training is a quilted gambeson and stockings.
The Role of Armor in Medieval Combat
In wars and tournaments, knights and other troops proved their mettle, amassed wealth, and frequently lost their lives. While tournament armor may be bulkier and only protect regions exposed during a particular event, battlefield armor varied based on a soldier’s role in combat and allowed them to move and fight successfully in unpredictable scenarios.
The idea that knights could hardly move while wearing medieval armor is a recent myth. Despite being heavy, a suit was made up of multiple sections that were carefully tailored to fit the human body. The wearer was covered by overlapping plates that provided excellent flexibility and mobility. These were fastened to the knight’s body and supported their weight by being laced to his padded arming jacket. Among the components were:
Pauldron: This shielded the armpit and shoulder of a knight. You’re staring at the rear; when the knight raised his arm, gaping was avoided by the wide wing over the shoulder blade.
Mail Sleeve: To seal the openings at weak joints, knights wore mail below their plate armor.
Cowter: The cowter overlapping plates of the upper and lower arm, often known as a “elbow cop.”
Gauntlet: Gauntlets were available in two basic styles: mitten and glove. Leather gloves were once sewn inside gauntlets, although they hardly ever make it.
Cuisse and Poleyn: The knight’s thigh was shielded by the cuisse, while his knee was covered by the poleyn. These were frequently connected. The poleyn’s side wings allowed the knee to bend while protecting the rear of it.
Sabaton: Reminiscent of a medieval shoe, the sabaton is armor for a knight’s foot. At the time, armor frequently imitated the newest styles.
Tournaments, which began as a military exercise, have developed to include numerous combat events, lavish pageantry, costumed role-playing, and amazing special effects. Every tournament had its own set of regulations for both horseback and foot competitions.
Horsemen brandished lances at one another during the joust. For these contests, the side that the opponent’s lance threatened was severely strengthened. If there was a barrier between the contestants, the armor might just cover the top parts of the body, and for foot tournaments, it might include a strengthened helmet.
When we play Buhurt, we travel back in time to the 15th century, where safety is a relative concept, talent and teammate support determine victory, and iron sharpens iron. Every practice is a dream come true for the fortunate few who persevere, stand, and connect with the past.
Choosing the Right Armor for Buhurt
Wear the Milanese barbute helmet, designed for maximum protection and historical accuracy, to rule the buhurt arena. This barbute, which is made of hardened spring steel 30HGSA, provides remarkable resistance to severe impacts, guaranteeing your safety throughout combat.
The helmet has a cushioned aventail and riveted chainmail, which offer extra cushioning and crucial neck protection. A Simon Strap and adjustable chin straps ensure a snug and comfortable fit so you can concentrate on winning.
Any genuine competitor who is a buhurt fighter must have the entire splinted arms set. For full-contact armored combat fights, we created this upper limb protection, which offers both mobility and a high degree of defense.
The splints are glued to a canvas backing for optimal comfort while in use, and they are made from sturdy steel or titanium strips. Four essential pieces of protection are included in the set: the pauldron, rerebrace, elbow protection, and vambrace. They are all made to cooperate in order to form the body’s defense mechanism.
During full-contact combat and reenactments, an eastern legs set is made to give fighters outstanding mobility and dependable protection. Durable riveted chainmail on the floating thighs and knees ensures mobility without sacrificing safety.
They provide strong defense to withstand the difficulties of battle. Even with high Eastern-style footwear, the three-segment greaves offer exceptional protection and a great fit. Their creative design guarantees maximum mobility and reduces gaps.
Maintaining and Upgrading Your Armor
Cleaning your armor on a regular basis is essential to avoiding the accumulation of moisture, dust, and grime. The following are some efficient ways to clean your medieval armor:
First, use a gentle brush or cloth to wipe away any loose dirt or debris from the armour’s surface.
Take care not to scratch the metal. To stop rust from forming, make sure your armor is completely dry after washing.
To get rid of any extra moisture, use a fresh, dry cloth.
Check your armor frequently for indications of corrosion or rust. If you see any, use a rust remover made especially for metal surfaces or a fine-grade steel wool to carefully remove the rust. Don’t let the metal get damaged.
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Sponsored content. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
The post Embracing the Past: The Best Medieval Armor for Modern Buhurt appeared first on World Art News.
Also honoured in the visual and media arts category this year are the AI artist Sandra Rodriguez, the furniture-maker Peter Pierobon and the film-maker Bruce LaBruce